U.S. patent application number 16/775414 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-11 for separator device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Adey Holdings (2008) Limited. Invention is credited to Christopher Adey, Simon Downie, Matthew Taylor.
Application Number | 20200179951 16/775414 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46546414 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-11 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200179951 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adey; Christopher ; et
al. |
June 11, 2020 |
SEPARATOR DEVICE
Abstract
A separator device for removing particles from suspension in a
fluid includes a housing having first and second apertures for
ingress and egress of fluid into and out of the housing. A first
separator chamber is disposed at one end of the housing. A second
separator chamber is disposed at the other end of the housing. A
central chamber is disposed between the first and second separator
chambers. The first and second separator chambers are apertured for
ingress and egress of fluid from the central chamber, and each
contains obstruction means to slow the flow of fluid within the
chamber.
Inventors: |
Adey; Christopher;
(Cheltenham, GB) ; Downie; Simon; (Cheltenham,
GB) ; Taylor; Matthew; (Cheltenham, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Adey Holdings (2008) Limited |
Cheltenham |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
46546414 |
Appl. No.: |
16/775414 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15432035 |
Feb 14, 2017 |
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16775414 |
|
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14402968 |
Nov 21, 2014 |
9873130 |
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PCT/GB2013/051329 |
May 21, 2013 |
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15432035 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B04C 5/14 20130101; F17D
3/16 20130101; B01D 2201/302 20130101; B03C 1/14 20130101; E03B
7/074 20130101; B01D 29/908 20130101; B01D 2221/02 20130101; B04C
3/06 20130101; B01D 21/0042 20130101; B03C 1/30 20130101; B03C
1/0355 20130101; B01D 2201/4023 20130101; Y10T 137/794 20150401;
B03C 1/288 20130101; B01D 21/267 20130101; B03C 1/02 20130101; F24D
19/0092 20130101; B01D 21/2411 20130101; B04C 5/185 20130101; C02F
2101/203 20130101; B01D 21/0009 20130101; B21D 39/044 20130101;
F16L 29/007 20130101; F16L 21/00 20130101; B03C 2201/20 20130101;
C02F 2201/48 20130101; B01D 21/26 20130101; B01D 35/06 20130101;
B03C 1/286 20130101; C02F 2303/22 20130101; B03C 2201/28 20130101;
C02F 1/488 20130101; B03C 2201/18 20130101; F16L 55/24 20130101;
B01D 21/2483 20130101; B01D 35/303 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B04C 5/14 20060101
B04C005/14; B03C 1/02 20060101 B03C001/02; F16L 29/00 20060101
F16L029/00; F16L 21/00 20060101 F16L021/00; C02F 1/48 20060101
C02F001/48; B03C 1/30 20060101 B03C001/30; B03C 1/14 20060101
B03C001/14; B01D 21/26 20060101 B01D021/26; F17D 3/16 20060101
F17D003/16; F24D 19/00 20060101 F24D019/00; B03C 1/28 20060101
B03C001/28; B03C 1/0355 20060101 B03C001/0355; B21D 39/04 20060101
B21D039/04; B01D 29/90 20060101 B01D029/90; B01D 21/24 20060101
B01D021/24; B01D 35/30 20060101 B01D035/30; B01D 35/06 20060101
B01D035/06; B01D 21/00 20060101 B01D021/00; F16L 55/24 20060101
F16L055/24; E03B 7/07 20060101 E03B007/07; B04C 5/185 20060101
B04C005/185; B04C 3/06 20060101 B04C003/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 21, 2012 |
GB |
1208917.3 |
Nov 2, 2012 |
GB |
1219752.1 |
Claims
1. An in-line fitment for connection of a filter to a pipe,
comprising first and second fluid-carrying portions and a
non-fluid-carrying spacer for linking the first and second
fluid-carrying portions, each fluid-carrying portion including a
socket for receiving an open end of a pipe and a connector for
connection of the filter, a screw compression fitting being
provided on each of the sockets of the first and second
fluid-carrying portions for forming a sealed connection with the
open ends of the pipe, the socket of the first fluid-carrying
portion having a pipe receiving depth greater than that of the
socket of the second fluid-carrying portion for enabling movement
of the fitment parallel to the pipe when engaged with one of the
open ends of the pipe, and the sockets of the first and second
fluid-carrying portions being positioned on a common axis and
facing away from each other when the fluid-carrying portions are
linked by the spacer.
2. The in-line fitment of claim 1, in which the spacer is removable
and the fitment can be used either as one connected piece or as two
separate fluid-carrying portions.
3. The in-line fitment of claim 1, in which the connector of each
fluid-carrying portion has a longitudinal axis substantially at
right angles to a longitudinal axis of the socket of the respective
fluid-carrying portion.
4. The in-line fitment of claim 1, in which a valve is provided on
each fluid-carrying portion for controlling the flow of fluid
between the socket and the connector of the fluid-carrying
portion.
5. The in-line fitment of claim 1, in which a plug is provided on
each fluid carrying portion, on an end of the fluid carrying
portion opposing the socket, the plug corresponding with a socket
on the spacer for releasably engaging the spacer with the
fluid-carrying portion.
6. The in-line fitment of claim 5, in which the plug includes a
circular section and a dog section having at least one straight
edge.
7. The in-line fitment of claim 6, in which a recess is provided
around the circumference of the circular section, and an O-ring is
provided in the recess.
8. The in-line fitment of claim 1, in which a fitting jig is
provided, the fitting jig including a rigid member having two
parallel apertures therethrough, the parallel apertures being
adapted to receive the connectors of the first and second
fluid-carrying portions.
9. The in-line fitment of claim 8, in which the thickness of the
rigid member in a direction parallel to the apertures is at least
half of a length of the connectors.
10. An in-line fitment for connection of a filter to a pipe,
comprising first and second fluid-carrying portions and a removable
non fluid-carrying spacer for linking the first and second
fluid-carrying portions, each fluid-carrying portion including a
socket for receiving an open end of a pipe and a connector for
connection of the filter, the socket of the first fluid-carrying
portion having a pipe receiving depth greater than that of the
socket of the second fluid-carrying portion, and the sockets of the
first and second fluid-carrying portions being positioned on a
common axis and facing away from each other when the fluid-carrying
portions are linked by the spacer, wherein the fitment can be used
either as one connected piece or as two separate fluid-carrying
portions.
11. The in-line fitment of claim 10, in which the connector of each
fluid-carrying portion has a longitudinal axis substantially at
right angles to a longitudinal axis of the socket of the respective
fluid-carrying portion.
12. The in-line fitment of claim 10, in which a valve is provided
on each fluid-carrying portion for controlling the flow of fluid
between the socket and the connector of the fluid-carrying
portion.
13. The in-line fitment of claim 10, in which a plug is provided on
each fluid carrying portion, on an end of the fluid carrying
portion opposing the socket, the plug corresponding with a socket
on the spacer for releasably engaging the spacer with the
fluid-carrying portion.
14. The in-line fitment of claim 13, in which the plug includes a
circular section and a dog section having at least one straight
edge.
15. The in-line fitment of claim 14, in which a recess is provided
around the circumference of the circular section, and an O-ring is
provided in the recess.
16. The in-line fitment of claim 10, in which a fitting jig is
provided, the fitting jig including a rigid member having two
parallel apertures therethrough, the parallel apertures being
adapted to receive the connectors of the first and second
fluid-carrying portions.
17. The in-line fitment of claim 16, in which the thickness of the
rigid member in a direction parallel to the apertures is at least
half of a length of the connectors.
18. The in-line fitment of claim 10, in which a screw compression
fitting is provided on each of the sockets of the first and second
fluid-carrying portions for forming a sealed connection with the
pipe ends.
19. An in-line fitment for connection of a filter to a pipe,
comprising first and second fluid-carrying portions and a non
fluid-carrying spacer for linking the first and second
fluid-carrying portions, each fluid-carrying portion including a
socket for receiving an open end of a pipe and a connector for
connection of the filter, the socket of the first fluid-carrying
portion having a pipe receiving depth greater than that of the
socket of the second fluid-carrying portion, and the sockets of the
first and second fluid-carrying portions being positioned on a
common axis and facing away from each other when the fluid-carrying
portions are linked by the spacer, wherein a plug is provided on
each fluid carrying portion, on an end of the fluid carrying
portion opposing the socket, the plug corresponding with a socket
on the spacer for releasably engaging the spacer with the
fluid-carrying portion.
20. The in-line fitment of claim 19, in which the plug includes a
circular section and a dog section having at least one straight
edge.
21. The in-line fitment of claim 20, in which a recess is provided
around the circumference of the circular section, and an O-ring is
provided in the recess.
22. The in-line fitment of claim 19, in which a screw compression
fitting is provided on each of the sockets of the first and second
fluid-carrying portions for forming a sealed connection with the
pipe ends.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a continuation patent application
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/432,035, filed on Feb. 14,
2017, which is a divisional patent application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/402,968, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,873,130, which
is a National Stage of International Application No.
PCT/GB2013/051329, filed on May 21, 2013, which claims priority to
GB 1219752.1, filed on Nov. 2, 2012, which in turn claims priority
to GB 1208917.3, filed on May 21, 2012. The entire disclosures of
the above applications are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a separator device
suitable for separating particles from a fluid flow and
particularly but not exclusively to a separator device for use in a
hydronic heating system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In a typical heating system, water is circulated by a pump
through several radiators, possibly a heat exchanger in a hot water
cylinder, and a boiler. During circulation, solid particles (for
example, iron oxide) which have come loose from the interior of the
radiators and pipework can become suspended in the water. Solid
particles can also be present as contaminants in the water
originally supplied to the system, and the water can become
contaminated by dirt where an open expansion tank forms part of the
system. These solid particles can cause malfunction if they build
up in the boiler or pump, and reduce the effectiveness of the
heating system by restricting the flow of water and clogging
radiators. The water in a heating system should therefore be
continually cleaned to remove solid particles as far as
possible.
[0004] Various devices are known for removing particles from
suspension in a flow of water. Typically these devices include a
magnet for attracting ferrous particles, and may also include
mechanical separation means for removing nonmagnetic particles.
Nonmagnetic particles may be removed by causing a portion of the
water to flow through a separation chamber, within which
obstruction means are disposed to slow the flow. Particles will
then fall out of suspension and become trapped in cavities, which
can easily be cleaned during an annual service. Only a portion of
the flow is slowed, so that the overall flow rate in the heating
circuit is not significantly reduced. A device of this type is
disclosed in the applicant's co-pending applications GB2486173 and
GB2486172.
[0005] These prior devices typically consist of a cylindrical
housing, a magnet disposed within the housing along its
longitudinal axis, and a mechanical separation chamber disposed at
a lower end of the housing. An inlet and an outlet are provided on
a side wall of the housing, typically one above the other. The
inlet and outlet are configured to set up a swirl of water within
the housing and are tangential or substantially tangential to the
housing.
[0006] The magnet is typically sleeved so that magnetic particles
do not stick directly to the magnet, but to the sleeve around the
magnet. The magnet may be removed from the sleeve when the device
is cleaned and the particles will simply fall away. However,
providing a sleeve around the magnet does reduce the magnetic field
strength, and therefore the effectiveness of the filter. The sleeve
should therefore be as thin as possible. Due to manufacturing
limitations, the thickness of the sleeve is typically great enough
to substantially attenuate the magnetic field.
[0007] Due to the very tight space within which a device may need
to be installed, particularly if it is being retrofitted to an
existing installation, the tangential inlet and outlet may impose
an unwelcome constraint upon the installer. In some cases it may
simply not be possible to fit a device of suitable capacity with
tangential or substantially tangential inlets. A separator also has
to be oriented in a particular way for it to operate as intended
and usually this is with the cylindrical housing extending
substantially vertically, so that non-magnetic debris separated
from the flow can drop to a collection area at the bottom of the
separator. If it is installed in an incorrect orientation, the
error may not be immediately obvious and may not be noticed until a
service. During this time, the effectiveness of the separation
device will be substantially reduced, and it may be completely
ineffective.
[0008] Separation devices are typically fitted to either the flow
or return pipe of the heating circuit. Two cuts must be made in the
pipe at a set distance apart, and right angle connectors are then
fitted to the open ends. If two separate right angle connectors are
used, then the installer must be careful to ensure that the extent
to which they are fitted to the open ends of the pipe is such that
the vertical distance between the perpendicular sections of the
right angle connectors is exactly correct to fit the separation
device. Any error is time-consuming to correct because a section of
the flow or return pipe may need to be cut out and replaced.
[0009] It is an object of this invention to provide a separator
device which reduces or substantially obviates the above mentioned
problems.
SUMMARY
[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a separator device for removing particles from
suspension in a fluid comprising: [0011] a housing, having first
and second apertures for ingress and egress of fluid into and out
of the housing; [0012] a first separator chamber disposed at one
end of the housing; [0013] a second separator chamber disposed at
the other end of the housing,
[0014] and a central chamber disposed between the first and second
separator chambers, the first and second separator chambers being
apertured for ingress and egress of fluid from the central chamber
and each containing obstruction means to slow the flow of fluid
within the chamber.
[0015] This arrangement is advantageous because, by providing
separating chambers at either end of the separator, one may always
be disposed in the optimal position for effectively removing
particles from suspension in the fluid, whichever of the first and
second apertures is used as the inlet. The device can be installed
with the inlet and outlet either way around, providing additional
flexibility to an installer who may be working in an area where
space is at a premium. For example, the device may be installed
either above or below a boiler, on either the flow or return of the
heating circuit. It has also been found that in a separator of this
type, that most effective separation is achieved in the upper
separation chamber.
[0016] Means may be provided to set up a swirl of fluid within the
housing.
[0017] A magnet may be provided in the central chamber. The magnet
attracts ferrous particles from the fluid in the central
chamber.
[0018] The means of obstruction in at least one of the first and
second separator chambers may comprise at least in part of a
plurality of substantially planar walls. The planar walls may be
disposed radially. Such means of obstruction may alternatively or
additionally comprise of a plurality of substantially cylindrical
protrusions.
[0019] Where substantially cylindrical protrusions are provided in
addition to planar walls, the substantially cylindrical protrusions
may extend through and above the substantially cylindrical
walls.
[0020] The planar walls slow the flow of the fluid, and also define
cavities between adjacent walls in which solid particles are prone
to collect. The cylindrical protrusions provide a further barrier
to the flow of fluid, and increase the overall distance which must
be traversed by the fluid, thus increasing the quantity of solid
particles which are removed from suspension in the chamber.
[0021] The means of obstruction in at least one of the first and
second separator chambers may comprise at least in part of one or
more curved walls. The curved walls define a lengthy and complex
pathway through which water must flow.
[0022] Where curved walls are provided, at least one reverse curved
wall may be included. The curved walls, whether or not including a
reverse curved wall, may form concave collection areas for
collection of particles. The concave collection areas may face in
different directions.
[0023] The advantage of curved walls forming concave collection
areas, which may face in different directions, is that they are
able to effectively remove particles from the flow when positioned
in any orientation, for example, if the separator is not fitted
vertically, but at an angle to the vertical.
[0024] The arrangement of curved walls within either or both of the
first and second separator chambers may be reflectively and/or
rotationally symmetrical.
[0025] The first and second separating chambers may be removable
from the housing. The first and second chambers may be provided as
part of a single removable insert, the separator chambers being
mounted at either end of a central section. Removal from the
housing facilitates effortless cleaning away of particles which
have built up in the chambers.
[0026] The first separating chamber may be open to the housing at
its upper end. The first chamber may have inlets in the underside
from the central chamber, which may spiral upwardly into the first
chamber. Where the inlets spiral upwardly, they may spiral in
opposing arcuate directions, guiding the flow into the chamber
irrespective of the rotational direction of swirl in the central
chamber.
[0027] The second separating chamber may comprise a tray and a roof
section. The roof section may be attached to the central section,
and the tray may be removable for cleaning. The apertures for
ingress and egress of fluid into and out of the second separation
chambers may be in the roof of the chamber.
[0028] A flow guide may be provided on the roof section of the
second separating chamber, extending upwardly and radially from the
roof section and overhanging the apertures in opposing directions
for directing flow into the second chamber from both sides of the
flow guide, for capturing flow irrespective of the rotational
direction of swirl in the central chamber.
[0029] The flow guide serves to guide a portion of the swirling
flow of fluid through the separation chamber, whilst allowing the
overall flow rate of the heating circuit to be substantially
maintained.
[0030] The housing may be closed by a watertight lid. This allows
the unit to be sealed when in normal operation as part of, for
example, a closed heating circuit, but easily opened during service
for removal of solid particles which have been removed from the
fluid by the device.
[0031] A bleed valve may be provided at the upper end of the
housing, and a drain valve may be provided in the base of the
housing. In use, after isolating the device from the heating
circuit, the upper and lower valves are opened to drain the fluid
from the housing. The lower valve is then closed, and the system
may be dosed with a fluid, for example a corrosion inhibitor, via
the upper valve. The separator device is then reconnected to the
heating circuit, air being forced out of the bleed valve. When all
the air has been removed the bleed valve is closed, and the system
refilled and/or re-pressurized as necessary.
[0032] The swirl of fluid within the housing may be set up by means
of deflectors which are mounted within the apertures in the
housing. The deflectors may extend to some degree into the central
chamber of the housing and may be moulded into the wall of the
housing. The advantage of this arrangement is that the inlet and
outlet pipes can enter the housing parallel to each other,
providing ease of fitting.
[0033] According to a second aspect of the invention, a sleeve for
a magnet is provided in the form of a hollow cylinder, having a
curved wall with thickness less than 0.8 mm, and preferably less
than 0.7 mm. A thin-walled sleeve is advantageous because the
attenuation of the magnetic field is minimized.
[0034] The sleeve may be molded from plastics, and reinforcing ribs
and/or spines may be provided. Reinforcing ribs and spines retain
the structural strength of the magnetic sleeve, allowing the
thickness of the walls to be reduced. The ribs and spines also
improve the flow of plastic in a mold when the sleeve is
manufactured, removing another limitation on minimum sleeve
thickness.
[0035] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is
provided an in-line fitment for connection of a filter to a pipe,
comprising first and second fluid-carrying portions and a
non-fluid-carrying spacer for linking the first and second
fluid-carrying portions, each fluid-carrying portion including a
socket for receiving an open end of a pipe and a connector for
connection of the filter, the socket of the first fluid-carrying
portion having a pipe receiving depth greater than that of the
socket of the second fluid-carrying portion, and the sockets of the
first and second fluid-carrying portions being positioned on a
common axis and facing away from each other when the fluid-carrying
portions are linked by the spacer.
[0036] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided an in-line fitment for connection of a filter to a pipe,
comprising first and second in line sockets for accepting the open
ends of fluid carrying pipes, the first and second sockets being
linked by a spacer, and the first socket having a pipe receiving
depth greater than that of the second socket.
[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided an in-line fitment for connection of a filter to a pipe,
comprising independent first and second fluid-carrying portions,
and a spacer for setting the distance between the fluid-carrying
portions, each fluid-carrying portion including a socket for
receiving an open end of a pipe and a connector for connection of
the filter.
[0038] According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided an in-line fitment for connection of a filter to a pipe,
comprising first and second independent fluid-carrying portions for
connection to the pipe, the first fluid carrying portion directing
flow out of the line of the pipe and the second fluid carrying
portion directing flow back into the line of the pipe, the first
and second fluid-carrying portions being linkable by a spacer for
setting the distance between the fluid-carrying portions, the first
and second fluid-carrying portions each including sockets for
connection to the pipe, the socket of the first fluid-carrying
portion having a pipe receiving depth greater than the pipe
receiving depth of the socket of the second fluid-carrying
portion.
[0039] In some embodiments, the spacer may be hollow. However, the
spacer is non-fluid-carrying in the sense that it is not in fluid
communication with the connector or the socket of either of the
first and second fluid-carrying portions.
[0040] The in-line fitment may be used to install the separator
device according to the first aspect of the invention onto, for
example, a central heating pipe. The in-line fitment may also be
suitable for use with other filtering, cleaning or processing
devices which need to be fitted to a fluid-carrying pipe.
[0041] The in-line fitment is advantageous because it can be easily
fitted to a pipe. First a section of a certain length is cut from
the pipe, leaving two open ends of the pipe. The first socket is
then fitted to a first open end of the pipe. Due to the greater
pipe receiving depth of the first socket, the fitment can move
parallel to the pipe whilst engaged with the first open end of the
pipe. The second socket can afterwards be engaged with a second
open end of the pipe by sliding the fitment towards the first open
end, and then back down over the second open end. Because the
sockets are joined together by a spacer, the correct distance
between the sockets is always maintained, whilst allowing fitting
to a pipe which is already anchored to a wall.
[0042] The spacer may be removable, so that the fitment may be used
either as one connected piece or as two separate fluid-carrying
pieces.
[0043] A removable spacer further assists with fitting, because the
two sockets may be attached to open ends of the pipe independently,
without the need for any manipulation of the pipe ends. The correct
distance between the sockets is nonetheless easy to achieve,
because the first socket, having a greater pipe receiving depth,
can be moved parallel to the pipe and the spacer then refitted
between the sockets.
[0044] A removable spacer also allows a filter having
vertically-oriented inlet and outlet ports to be fitted to a cut
section of pipe which is non-vertical in orientation. For example,
a filter with vertically-oriented inlet and outlet ports may need
to be fitted to a pipe running horizontally or diagonally. Also, a
filter may need to be fitted with an inlet pipe at right angles to
an outlet pipe.
[0045] The connector of each fluid-carrying portion may have a
longitudinal axis substantially at right angles to a longitudinal
axis of the socket of the respective fluid-carrying portion.
[0046] Typically, a filter will be fitted to a pipe which runs
parallel to a wall or other flat surface. Where each fluid-carrying
portion has a connector at right angles to a pipe socket,
effectively forming a 90.degree. bend, a filter with inlet and
outlet ports extending horizontally from its side can be mounted
against a vertical wall, without further components being
required.
[0047] A valve may be provided on each fluid-carrying portion for
controlling the flow of fluid between the socket and the connector
of the fluid-carrying portion. The valve may be used to prevent
flow through the fluid-carrying portions, that is, to cut off the
pipe socket of each fluid-carrying portion from its respective
connector.
[0048] Where the fitment is used to connect a filter to a central
heating system, it is useful to be able to isolate the filter from
the central heating circuit. This allows the filter to be opened
for cleaning, without opening the central heating circuit and
allowing heating fluid to escape.
[0049] A plug may be provided on each fluid carrying portion, on an
end of the fluid carrying portion opposing the socket, the plug
corresponding with a socket on the spacer for releasably engaging
the spacer with the fluid-carrying portion.
[0050] A plug and socket connection provides for very easy fitting
or location of the spacer between the fluid-carrying portions. With
plugs on each fluid-carrying portion opposing each other when the
fluid-carrying portions are fitted to the spacer, the spacer can
only be removed where there is space to move the fluid-carrying
portions away from each other and from the spacer. In other words,
the spacer can easily be fitted and removed when the fitment is not
installed, but cannot come away when the fitment is secured to the
open ends of a pipe.
[0051] The plugs may each include a circular section and a dog
section having at least one straight edge. A recess may be provided
around the circumference of the circular section, an O-ring being
provided in the recess. A circular section with an O-ring allows
for a tight fitting of the plug into the corresponding socket,
which is nonetheless easy to remove. The dog section prevents
rotation of the plug in the socket, ensuring that the connectors of
the first and second fluid-carrying portions remain correctly
aligned for fitting of a filter.
[0052] Removable caps may be provided for fitting over the plugs of
the fluid-carrying sections. The removable caps may be made from
flexible plastics. When the spacer is not required, it is
advantageous to cover the plugs.
[0053] A fitting jig may be provided, the fitting jig including a
rigid member having two parallel apertures therethrough, the
parallel apertures being adapted to receive the connectors of the
first and second fluid-carrying pipes. The thickness of the rigid
member in a direction parallel to the apertures may be at least
half of a length of the connectors.
[0054] In use, the fluid-carrying portions may be connected to the
spacer, and the fitting jig installed over the connectors. This
ensures that all parts of the fitment are correctly aligned. The
first fluid-carrying section may then be installed on the open end
of a pipe, as described above, with the greater pipe receiving
depth of the first fluid-carrying section allowing the first
fluid-carrying section to be moved onto the open end of the pipe,
and then the second fluid-carrying section to be moved in the other
direction, over another open end of the pipe.
DRAWINGS
[0055] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to
show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will
now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0056] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a separator device
according to the first aspect of the invention;
[0057] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the separator device of FIG.
1;
[0058] FIG. 3 shows a perspective cut-away view of the separator
device of FIG. 1;
[0059] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an insert according to
the second aspect of the invention, being a component part of the
separator device of FIG. 1;
[0060] FIG. 5 shows a front view of the insert of FIG. 4;
[0061] FIG. 6 shows a plan view from above of the insert of FIG.
4;
[0062] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a tray, being a component
part of a separator chamber which in turn is a part of the
separator device of FIG. 1;
[0063] FIG. 8 shows a plan view from below of the tray of FIG.
7;
[0064] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a pipe fitment according
to the third aspect of the invention;
[0065] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a spacer, being a
component part of the pipe fitment of FIG. 9;
[0066] FIG. 11 shows a top plan view of the spacer of FIG. 10;
[0067] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the pipe fitment of FIG.
9, with a fitting jig installed;
[0068] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the pipe fitment of FIG.
9, fitted to the separator device of FIG. 1 for installation to a
vertical pipe; and
[0069] FIG. 14 shows a front plan view of the pipe fitment of FIG.
9, with the spacer removed and fitted to the separator device of
FIG. 1 for installation to a vertical pipe and a horizontal
pipe.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0070] Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 to 3, a separator device for
separating particles from suspension in a fluid is indicated
generally at 10. A housing 12 is provided, comprising of a body
portion 14 and a removable closure portion 16. The body portion is
substantially a cylindrical shell open at the upper end, that is,
the body portion 14 comprises a floor and a wall 17. The upper end
of the wall 17 of the body portion 14 is formed with a male thread
18 and, directly below the male thread, a circumferential rim
20.
[0071] The closure portion 16 is in the form of a screw-on cap
comprising a circular planar roof 26 and a circumferential wall 28
extending below the edge of the roof. A thread 22 is formed on the
interior surface of the wall 28, for co-operating with the male
thread 18 at the upper end of the wall 17 of the housing body
portion 14. A plurality of recesses 24 are provided spaced
uniformly around the outside of the wall 28 of the closure portion
16 in order to assist a user in gripping the closure portion 16 to
effect closure and removal.
[0072] A recess 30 is provided around the edge of the underside of
the roof 26 of the closure portion 16. A rubber O-ring 32 sits
within the recess 30, around half of the height of the O-ring 32
extending below the underside of the roof 26. When the closure
portion 16 is screwed onto the body portion 14 of the housing 12,
the O-ring 32 is compressed between the roof 26 of the closure
portion 16 and the upper edge of the wall 17 of the housing body
portion 14, forming a watertight seal.
[0073] An inlet and an outlet are provided as first and second
hollow cylindrical sockets 96 in the wall 17 of the housing body
14, each extending perpendicular to the same tangent of the
cylindrical body, that is, the sockets extend outwardly from the
wall of the housing 14 and are parallel to each other on a diameter
of the housing 12. John Guest Speedfit.RTM. connectors 98 are
provided within the sockets 96, allowing easy fitting to a heating
circuit.
[0074] The parallel inlet and outlet sockets 96 on the same
diameter enable easy fitting to a heating circuit, since the inlet
and outlet will be in the same straight pipe line when the device
is installed.
[0075] Deflectors 100, best shown in FIG. 2, are provided within
each of the sockets 96 in the cylindrical housing 12. The
deflectors 100 block a portion of each socket 96, directing the
flow on the inlet to one side and resulting in a swirling flow
within the housing 12. The edges of the deflectors 100 are at an
angle of around 10.degree. from the vertical, so as to divert water
slightly vertically as well as horizontally. Providing deflectors
100 in both sockets 96 allows either to be used as the inlet.
[0076] A bleed valve 102 is provided through the center of the
screw-on cap 16 and is screwed into a plug 50 within the housing
12. The bleed valve includes a head portion 106 and a body portion
108, the head portion 106 being of greater diameter than the body
portion 108, so that the body portion 108 but not the head portion
106 will fit through a circular aperture in the center of the roof
26 of the closure portion 16 of the housing 12. A passage 120 is
provided through the center of the head and body portions 106, 108.
The head portion 106 is provided with an external screw thread, and
a screw-on cap 104 closes the bleed valve, sealed by an O-ring
arrangement.
[0077] A drain valve 116 comprising of a screw-in plug with seal is
provided in the floor of the housing body 14.
[0078] In use, the separator device 10 is isolated from the heating
circuit, and the bleed valve 102 and drain valve 116 are opened to
drain fluid from the housing 12. The drain valve 116 is then
closed, and the system can be dosed with a corrosion inhibitor via
the bleed valve 102. A supply line can be secured onto the thread
of the head portion. The separator device 10 is then reconnected to
the heating circuit, air being forced out of the bleed valve 102.
When all the air has been removed the bleed valve 102 is closed,
and the system refilled and/or re-pressurized as necessary.
[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 4-8, an insert 34 is removably
contained within the housing 12. The insert comprises a central
section 36 formed as a hollow cylinder, a first separation chamber
38 at an upper end of the insert and a second separation chamber 40
at a lower end of the insert, as viewed and installed in the
housing. The upper and lower separation chambers 38, 40 are
substantially cylindrical and share a central axis with the central
section 36. The upper and lower separation chambers 38, 40 are
sized to almost completely extend to the full interior diameter of
the housing body 14.
[0080] The hollow cylindrical central section 36 has a curved wall
which is approximately 0.65 mm thick. Four equally spaced
reinforcing ribs 37 are provided, each around the circumference of
the outer surface of the cylindrical central section 36. Four
equally spaced reinforcing spines 33 are provided perpendicular to
the ribs 37. The ribs 37 and spines 33 define rectangular panels
35.
[0081] A cylindrical magnet is provided inside the hollow central
section 36 of the insert 34, the central section forming a sheath
around the magnet. In use, the magnet attracts ferrous particles
which collect in the panels 35 on the outer surface of the central
sheath section 36 of the insert 34. When the heating system is
serviced, the insert 34 may be removed from the housing 12, and the
magnet removed from within the central sheath section 36. With the
magnet removed, ferrous particles will easily fall away for
disposal.
[0082] The upper separation chamber 38 is formed as a cylindrical
shell with an open top end, that is, a circular tray having a floor
44 and a single curved wall 46. The floor 44 has a circular
aperture at its center which has the same interior diameter as the
hollow central section 36 of the sheath 34. Within the upper
separation chamber 38, protrusions 48 extend from the floor 44, the
protrusions 48 having a vertical extent matching the vertical
extent of the wall 46. The protrusions 48 form interior walls which
define passageways within the upper separation chamber 38.
[0083] The arrangement of the protrusions 48 is best shown in FIG.
6. The arrangement is reflectively symmetrical about two orthogonal
axes A-A, B-B. Two protrusions of a first type 56 face each other.
The protrusions of the first type 56 are formed of a curved wall 58
comprising substantially 90.degree. of a circle arc, with a radius
of curvature slightly smaller than the radius of the upper
separation chamber 38, and a straight wall 60 extending inwardly
from the center of the curved wall 58 towards the center of the
chamber 38. Approximately one third of the length of the straight
wall 60 extends beyond a straight line C-C between the ends of the
curved section 58. The concave faces of the curved walls 58 face
each other.
[0084] The protrusions of the first type 56 are positioned with the
straight wall 60 on a diameter B-B of the upper separation chamber
38, and so that the curved wall 58 does not touch the wall 46 of
the upper separation chamber 38, enabling water to flow around all
sides of the protrusions 56.
[0085] Two protrusions of a second type 62 face each other at
90.degree. to the protrusions of the first type 56. The protrusions
of the second type 62 each comprise a stem 66 extending from the
wall 46 of the upper separation chamber 38 towards the center of
the chamber 38, and two hook-shaped walls 64. The stem 66 widens as
it approaches the center of the upper separation chamber 38. The
stem 66 meets the surface of the plug 50, curving around the
surface of the plug. The hook-shaped walls 64 extend from either
side of the stem 66 where it meets the plug 50, at an angle of
around 55.degree. from the stem, so that the hook-shaped walls 64
curve back towards the outside wall 46 of the upper separation
chamber 38. Before the hook-shaped walls 64 meet the wall 46 of the
upper separation chamber 38, they curve around 90.degree. in the
direction away from the stem 66, forming a hooked end. The extent
of the hook after the 90.degree. curve is substantially half of the
extent of the hook before the curve.
[0086] Two straight protrusions 68, having similar vertical extent
to the above mentioned protrusions 56, 62 and to the wall 46 of the
upper separation chamber 38, are disposed adjacent to the wall 46
on the diameter B-B of the upper separation chamber 38, projecting
inwardly towards the center of the upper separation chamber 38.
[0087] Four slots 118 are provided in the floor 44 of the upper
separation chamber 38. The slots serve to guide a portion of the
swirling flow of water within the housing 12 into the upper
separation chamber 38, without significantly reducing the overall
flow rate in the heating circuit. The slots 118 spiral upwardly
into the first separation chamber 38, in opposing arcuate
directions, and extend through the side wall 46. That is, two
spiral upwardly in one arcuate direction, and the other two in the
opposing direction, for guiding flow into the upper separation
chamber 38 irrespective of the direction of swirl within the
housing 12.
[0088] The lower separation chamber 40 is formed as a tray 70, best
seen in FIG. 7, which is detachable from a lid 72. The lid 72 is an
integral part of the removable insert 34. The tray 70 is toroidal
with an inner wall 76, an outer wall 78 and a floor 80. The tray 70
has an outer diameter just less than the interior diameter of the
housing body 14 and an inner diameter substantially matching the
external diameter of the central section 36 of the removable insert
34.
[0089] A plurality of planar walls 82 extend from the tray floor
80, each wall 82 joining the outer tray wall 78 to the inner tray
wall 76, and each having a vertical extent just less than the
vertical extent of the tray walls 76, 78, so that water can flow
over, but not under or around the planar walls 82. The planar walls
82 are fourteen in number, and are spaced evenly around the
toroidal tray 70 at sixteenths of its circumference, two sixteenths
being without walls 82, those two sixteenths being opposite each
other and the arrangement of walls 82 being reflectively and
rotationally symmetrical about a diameter D-D upon which the
sixteenths without planar walls 82 lie. Thus the planar walls 82
are arranged in two sections, each section having seven walls
82.
[0090] Substantially cylindrical protrusions 84 extend from the
tray floor 80 and are coincident with the planar walls 82, so that
that the cylindrical protrusions 84 extend through and above the
substantially planar walls 82. The planar walls 82 at the ends of
the sections are coincident with two cylindrical protrusions 84, as
is every second wall 82 in each section, the remaining planar walls
82 being coincident with a single cylindrical protrusion 84. Where
a planar wall 82 has a single cylindrical protrusion 84, the
cylindrical protrusion 84 is at the center of the wall 82,
equidistant from the inner and outer walls 76, 78 of the toroidal
tray. Where a wall 82 has two cylindrical protrusions 84, the
distance between a first cylindrical protrusion and the outer tray
wall 78 is equal to the distance between a second cylindrical
protrusion and the inner tray wall 76. Each aforementioned distance
is approximately one quarter of the distance between the inner and
outer walls 76, 78.
[0091] The lid 72 of the lower separation chamber 40 is formed as
an annular roof 86 surrounding the central section 36 of the insert
34, with a wall 88 extending below the edge of the roof 86. The
interior diameter of the lid 72 is substantially matching the
exterior diameter of the tray 70 of the lower separation chamber so
that the lid 72 fits over the tray 70.
[0092] Apertures 89 are provided in the roof 86 of the lid 72 at
either side of a radius, and are formed as two elongate rectangles,
each with a longitudinal extent just less than the distance between
the inner and outer sides of the annular roof 86, and the
longitudinal axes of each being parallel with each other. The two
rectangular apertures 89 are together reflectively symmetrical
about a radial axis halfway between the apertures.
[0093] A flow guide 90 extends upwardly from the upper surface of
the roof 86 of the lid 72, on the radial axis of symmetry between
the apertures, thus forming a wall between the apertures. The flow
guide 90 becomes wider as it extends upwards, so that it forms an
angled deflector adjacent to and overhanging each aperture. The
flow guide 90 therefore deflects a portion of the swirling flow
downwards into the lower separation chamber 40, irrespective of the
direction of swirl within the housing 12.
[0094] On the diameter D-D of the tray 70 which forms the space
between the two sections of seven planar walls 82, two cylindrical
pins 92 are provided near the top of the outer wall 78, extending
outwardly from the outer wall 78. Co-operating slots 94 are
provided in the walls 88 of the lid 72 extending vertically from
the base of the lid wall and then laterally. In use, the tray 70 is
slotted onto the lid 72 and then rotated to lock the tray 70 to the
lid 72, in the manner of a bayonet connector.
[0095] Referring now to FIGS. 9 to 14, a fitment for fitting the
separator device 10 in-line in a central heating circuit is shown
generally at 130. The fitment 130 comprises first and second
sockets 132 for accepting the open ends of pipes, a screw
compression fitting 134 of well-known design on each socket 132 for
forming a sealed connection with the pipe ends, and first and
second John Guest.RTM. Speedfit.RTM. connectors 136, fluidly
connected respectively to the first and second pipe sockets, for
fitting to the Speedfit.RTM. connectors 98 in the inlet and outlet
96 on the housing 12 of the separator device 10. A first valve 138
can be operated to break the fluid connection between the first
pipe socket 132 and the first Speedfit.RTM. connection 136, and a
second valve 140 can be operated to break the fluid connection
between the second pipe socket 132 and the second Speedfit.RTM.
connection 136. One of the two sockets 132 has a greater pipe
receiving depth than the other, for example, twice the pipe
receiving depth.
[0096] Plugs 142 are provided on the backs of the pipe sockets 132.
The plugs include a circular section 143 adjacent to the back of
the pipe socket 132, and a square dog section 145 at the end of
each plug 142. A recess 147 is provided around the curved surface
of the circular section 143, and an O-ring 149 fits within the
recess, protruding beyond the curved surface.
[0097] A spacer 144 is provided for fitting between the backs of
the first and second pipe sockets 132. The spacer 144 is sized to
ensure that, when it is fitted, the Speedfit.RTM. connectors 136 on
the fitment 130 are the same distance apart as the Speedfit.RTM.
connectors 98 in the sockets 96 on the housing 12 of the separator
device 10.
[0098] The spacer 144 is formed substantially as a cylinder.
Recesses 146 are provided on an outer wall 152 of the spacer 144 to
provide torsional rigidity without increased mass. A socket 148
extends through the spacer from the top to the bottom, and is in
the shape of a circle with two opposing truncated segments. At
either end of the spacer 144, the socket 148 has sections which are
circular without truncated segments. The circular end sections of
the socket are sized to receive the circular sections 143 of the
plugs 142. The circular sections 143 of the plugs 142 will not fit
through the parts of the socket 148 having truncated segments,
however the square sections 145 of the plugs 142 do fit into the
truncated socket sections.
[0099] When a plug 142 is inserted into a socket 148, the square
end dog section 145 of the plug 142 will be received into the
portion of the socket 148 which has truncated segments. Turning
forces which act upon one of the compression fittings 134 will
therefore be transmitted through the spacer to the other
compression fitting 134. By using two spanners, the net torque
which is transferred to the inlet and outlet 96 of the separator
device 10 is substantially reduced, limiting the possibility of
damage. Alternatively, the fitment 130 may be provided with a
fitting jig 180, as shown in FIG. 12. The fitting jig includes at
least two apertures 182 to fit over the connectors 136. The fitting
jig ensures that the connectors 136 remain in line, whilst the
separator device 10 is not attached. This eliminates any
possibility of damaging the separator device 10 while fitting. The
dog may have a different cross section if desired, such as a
hexagon.
[0100] When a plug 142 is inserted fully into a socket 148, the
O-ring 149 on the plug 142 acts to retain and align the plug 142 in
the socket 148, requiring a positive force for removal.
[0101] In use, a section of the central heating flow or return pipe
is removed. Where some manipulation of the central heating pipe is
possible, the fitment 130 may be installed without removing the
spacer 144. The socket 132 with greater pipe receiving depth is
installed first, and is slid over the end of the pipe until the
socket 132 with lesser pipe receiving depth can face the other open
end of pipe. The fitment is then slid in the other direction, over
the open pipe end. A fitment installed in this way is shown in FIG.
12, and with filter 10 fitted in FIG. 13.
[0102] The spacer 144 may alternatively be removed entirely to
allow fitting of the separator device 10 to a non-vertical section
of flow or return heating pipe, as shown in FIG. 14. Where the
spacer is removed, caps 150 may be fitted over the plugs 142. The
connectors 136 may be separately fitted into each of the John
Guest.RTM. Speedfit.RTM. connectors 98 and may be rotated through
360.degree. to suit the angular path of the central heating pipe.
For the separator device 10 to be most efficient it must be mounted
in a vertical orientation with the bleed valve housing 106
uppermost and the drain valve 116 at the lowest point. The
preferred and most common option is to fit to vertical orientation
pipe but by removing spacer 144 the separator device 10 can be
installed to a non-vertical cut section of central heating pipe by
virtue of the flexibility of fitment 130. In FIG. 14, fitment 130
is installed on the separator device 10 to receive a vertical pipe
in the upper pipe socket and a horizontal pipe in the lower pipe
socket.
[0103] By virtue of the inlet and outlet connections being in-line,
the separator device 10 is easy to fit. Furthermore, the inlet and
outlet can be interchanged, i.e. the flow direction can be changed,
and the separator will operate effectively with flow in either
direction. All of the separating chambers are able to cope with
swirl in both directions within the housing. By providing three
chambers filtration is achieved whilst the flow rate is
substantially unaffected.
* * * * *